Table of Contents

1 Introduction: InsideOut Empowerment 3

2 The Relationship Cycle: The Alone Stage 11

3 The Relationship Cycle: The Last Three Stages 21

4 Developing Healthy Relationship Habits: What's Really Important 33

5 What Do You Need? Know Thyself and Thy Partner 51

6 What Do You Want? Asking the Tough Questions 65

7 Seasons of Love: Discovery, Support, Challenge and Renewal 81

8 Becoming a Couple: Dependence, Independence, and Interdependence 87

9 Jealousy: A Deadly Relationship Killer 97

10 Sex and Romance: The Dance Begins 105

11 Effective Communication: Increasing the Odds You Will be Heard 113

12 Proper Problem Identification: Whose Problem is this Anyway? 127

13 Trust: Can Your Relationship Successfully Survive and Affair? 139

14 Differences: Conflict, Tolerance, Acceptance, or Appreciation 155

15 Negotiating for the Win/Win/Win: Everyone's a Winner 163

16 Maintenance: The Lesson of the Bonsai 175

17 There are No Secrets: Anything Goes 189

18 All Physical Relationships End: What is Your Lesson and/or Gift? 199

Appendix 1 InsideOut Empowerment Resources 211

Appendix 2 Book Club Discussion Questions 213

Appendix 3 The Survey 218

Appendix 4 Characteristics & Behaviors of Happy Couples 220

Appendix 5 Relationship Resources 222

Index 231